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    Lac du Bourget

    France

    Lac du Bourget

    Lake

    The Lac du Bourget in Savoy is France's largest natural lake. It spans about 18 kilometers between the Jura and Alpine foothills.

    by Felix Gillen

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    9. Lac du Bourget
    The Lac du Bourget in Savoy is France's largest natural lake. It spans about 18 kilometers between the Jura and Alpine foothills. On its east bank is the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, known as the "Riviera des Alpes"; on the west bank, the Abbey of Hautecombe. Swimming, sailing, cycling, and hiking feature prominently.

    Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Aix-les-Bains, Riviera des Alpes

    Aix-les-Bains, Riviera des Alpes

    Aix-les-Bains is a spa town on the east shore featuring Belle Époque buildings, including the Casino Grand Cercle and several former grand hotels. You can stroll along the lakeside promenade, admire the Roman Arch of Campanus, or visit the modern thermal baths. In the 19th century, guests from European nobility came here, including Queen Victoria. The town centre offers shops and weekly markets.
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    Abbaye Royale de Hautecombe

    Abbaye Royale de Hautecombe

    On the lake's west shore lies Hautecombe Abbey, founded by Cistercians in the 12th century and burial place of the House of Savoy. Its current appearance is primarily Neo-Gothic and dates from the 19th century. Inside, you will see numerous tombs and sculptures. Today, the abbey is inhabited by a spiritual community; you can reach it by car or, in season, by boat from Aix-les-Bains.
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    Mont Revard

    Mont Revard

    Mont Revard, located in the Massif des Bauges east above Aix-les-Bains, offers expansive views over Lac du Bourget all the way to the Alps. The plateau features viewing walkways with glass floors. In summer, you can hike and mountain bike; in winter, enjoy cross-country skiing.
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    Musée Faure (Aix-les-Bains)

    Musée Faure (Aix-les-Bains)

    The Musée Faure in Aix-les-Bains is housed in a villa and possesses a collection of Impressionist painting and works by its contemporaries, including Corot, Boudin, Sisley, Pissarro, Degas, and Cézanne, as well as 34 sculptures by Auguste Rodin and memorabilia from Lamartine's stays in Aix. The museum is currently closed and, according to the tourist office, is expected to reopen in early 2027 as "La Villa-Collection d'art".
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    City walks in Lac du Bourget

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Aix-les-Bains: In the Footsteps of Belle Époque Elegance and Panoramic Views

    Discover a different face of Aix-les-Bains: this walk takes you away from the busy town centre to the magnificent Belle Époque villas in the higher districts. Immerse yourself in art and history at the Musée Faure, admire the architectural diversity of the opulent residences and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Lac du Bourget and the surrounding mountains from the Belvédère de Tresserve. A cultural and scenic treat that shows the elegance and natural beauty of the town from a new perspective.

    ~2 Std. 30 Min.
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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    Restaurant Lamartine

    Erlebe exquisite französische Küche im mit einem Michelin-Stern ausgezeichneten Restaurant Lamartine in Le Bourget-du-Lac. Unter der Leitung von Chefkoch Pierre Marin genießt du kreative Gerichte, die die Produkte der Region ehren, begleitet von einem atemberaubenden Blick auf den See. Ein unvergessliches kulinarisches Erlebnis ist hier garantiert.
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    Le Bistrot du Port

    Direkt am Hafen von Le Bourget-du-Lac gelegen, bietet dir Le Bistrot du Port eine entspannte Atmosphäre und eine frische, saisonale Küche. Spezialisiert auf Fisch aus dem See, kannst du hier lokale Köstlichkeiten in einem ungezwungenen Rahmen genießen, oft mit einer schönen Terrasse direkt am Wasser. Ideal für ein authentisches Mittag- oder Abendessen.
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    Les Mésanges

    Entdecke Les Mésanges in Le Bourget-du-Lac, ein charmantes Restaurant, das für seine raffinierte Küche und seine herzliche Gastfreundschaft bekannt ist. Die Speisekarte bietet eine Mischung aus traditionellen savoyischen Gerichten und modernen Interpretationen, oft mit Fokus auf lokale Produkte. Der idyllische Garten ist perfekt für warme Sommerabende.
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    Le Chalet du Mont Revard

    Nach einer Wanderung oder einfach für die atemberaubende Aussicht bietet dir Le Chalet du Mont Revard auf dem Gipfel des Mont Revard regionale Spezialitäten in uriger Atmosphäre. Genieße deftige Savoyard-Gerichte wie Tartiflette oder Fondue, während du den Panoramablick über den See und die Alpen genießt. Ein perfekter Abschluss für deinen Ausflug.
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    Food and Drink

    By the lake, Savoyard mountain cuisine meets fish from the water. The lakeside towns of Aix-les-Bains and Le Bourget-du-Lac boast a vibrant dining scene.

    Fish of the lake

    Whitefish, char, and perch are served in the lakeside restaurants, traditionally with butter sauce. Real seafish is limited in availability and and accordingly expensive.

    Wines from Savoy

    On the slopes around the lake and in the Combe de Savoie grow Jacquère, Altesse (Roussette), Mondeuse, and Bergeron, as Roussanne is called in Chignin.

    Cheese from Savoie

    Tomme de Savoie, Reblochon and Beaufort come from the surrounding valleys and are on every cheese board.

    Diots and Crozets

    Savoy bratwurst in white wine and buckwheat noodle squares are the rustic alternative to cheese dishes.

    Cultural Heritage at Lac du Bourget

    The history of Lac du Bourget dates back a long way. Remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age pile dwellings in the lake have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps" since 2011.In Roman times, a spa town developed around the warm springs of Aix-les-Bains, still evidenced today by the Arch of Campanus and remnants of the Roman thermal baths. Later, the area was closely tied to the House of Savoy, which supported castles and monasteries here.The Abbaye de Hautecombe on the western shore was founded by Cistercians in the 12th century and serves as the burial site of the House of Savoy. Its present appearance is predominantly neo-Gothic and dates back to its reconstruction in the 19th century. Aix-les-Bains showcases much Belle Époque architecture, including the Casino Grand Cercle and grand hotel palaces from its era as an international spa resort. Literarily, the lake is connected with Alphonse de Lamartine, whose poem "Le Lac" was inspired by his stays at Lac du Bourget.

    Exploring on-site

    Aix-les-Bains has a train station with connections to Chambéry, Annecy, and Lyon. From the port in Aix-les-Bains, excursion boats operate in season across the lake, including to Abbaye de Hautecombe and via the Canal de Savières to Chanaz. By bike, you can make good progress on the cycling path along the east shore and on the Véloroute La Belle Via. The west shore and the surrounding mountains, such as Mont Revard, are harder to reach without a car.

    Accommodations in Lac du Bourget

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    Campgrounds in Lac du Bourget

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    Nearby

    Annecy

    Annecy

    Annecy, often called the 'Venice of the Alps', captivates with its medieval Old Town and the clear Lac d'Annecy. The Vieille Ville is characterized by winding alleys, pastel-colored houses, and the canals of the Thiou River. The striking Palais de l'Isle, a former prison, is picturesquely situated in the middle of a canal and bears witness to the city's rich history. Perched above the rooftops is the Château d'Annecy, once a residence of Savoyard princes, which today houses a museum. Lac d'Annecy offers numerous leisure activities such as boat trips or swimming. To experience the atmosphere without large crowds, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended. Explore the local markets to sample regional cheeses and other specialties.
    Albertville

    Albertville

    Albertville is located at the confluence of the Arly and Isère rivers in Savoy and hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics. Above the town, perched on a rocky spur, is the medieval Cité de Conflans with its cobbled streets and valley views. For the ski resorts of Tarentaise and Beaufortain, the town serves as a gateway and starting point.
    Carouge

    Carouge

    The independent town south of the Arve was systematically planned in the 18th century under the Kings of Sardinia. Low-rise houses with courtyards, studios, small shops, and bistros lend Carouge an almost Mediterranean atmosphere. From Geneva city center, you can reach it in just a few minutes by tram.
    The Old Town

    The Old Town

    Geneva's Old Town is situated on a hill on the left bank of the lake, surrounding Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Steep lanes lead up to the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city's oldest square, which is lined with cafés. Below, the Parc des Bastions stretches out, featuring the Reformation Wall.
    Genf

    Genf

    Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is Switzerland's international center. The city combines an Old Town with Reformation history, a lakeside with the 140-meter high Jet d'Eau, and the European seat of the United Nations.The Jet d'Eau, originally a pressure-release valve for a hydropower plant, has been a landmark since 1891. Above the Old Town is Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached in the 16th century. Its tower offers views over rooftops, the lake, and the Alps. In Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall marks Geneva's role as a Reformation center. The Palais des Nations offers hour-long guided tours; CERN researches on the city's outskirts.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI